Hey guys looking for a new delay pedal and I'm not sure between Line 6 DL4 or TC Electronic Nova. I want some that can do a lot because I'm in a cover band that plays everything U2, Killers Johny Cash, you name it we play it. So could somebody provide me with some positive info on these two and the diff between the two? Thanks
Line 6 DL4 vs. TC Electronic Nova
- Thread starter rgreen11
- Start date
Hot _Grits
Buttery Toneologist
Re: Line 6 DL4 vs. TC Electronic Nova
The Nova is great if you want exact bpm speeds, as it has a display showing the exact tempo. It's tap tempo is excellent, too. On the downside, switching patches live is a pain and the sound is great but not super flexible with as many options as the dl4.
The DL4 has fewer patches, but really simple switching, and is a better option if variety of sounds and emulations of classic pedals and tape echos is your thing. The Nova has a tone knob that helps dull repeats but not tape or analog simulation as such.
The DL4 is a tone sucker when set for trailing repeats, but it can be configured for true bypass. The nova has a buffer, but it's very high quality. I've had live rigs with the Nova stuff and what I've found is one nova pedal in the chain sounds great, but two novas starts to impose a digital fakeness to the uneffected signal, due to two of those buffers being in the chain.
So both are good in their own way. Real diehard delay nuts often pooh pooh the DL4, but they are on a lot of pro boards out there and the one I had sounded great. Plus it has the 'swell' patch that you can't get on another delay. The nova is also a great piece of gear. So try them and choose based on number or ease of presets, pedalboard real estate and how old school you like your delays.
If versatility is important for you look into the boss DD20 as well. Lots of guys are using those and get good results. I'm looking at getting one for my board.
The Nova is great if you want exact bpm speeds, as it has a display showing the exact tempo. It's tap tempo is excellent, too. On the downside, switching patches live is a pain and the sound is great but not super flexible with as many options as the dl4.
The DL4 has fewer patches, but really simple switching, and is a better option if variety of sounds and emulations of classic pedals and tape echos is your thing. The Nova has a tone knob that helps dull repeats but not tape or analog simulation as such.
The DL4 is a tone sucker when set for trailing repeats, but it can be configured for true bypass. The nova has a buffer, but it's very high quality. I've had live rigs with the Nova stuff and what I've found is one nova pedal in the chain sounds great, but two novas starts to impose a digital fakeness to the uneffected signal, due to two of those buffers being in the chain.
So both are good in their own way. Real diehard delay nuts often pooh pooh the DL4, but they are on a lot of pro boards out there and the one I had sounded great. Plus it has the 'swell' patch that you can't get on another delay. The nova is also a great piece of gear. So try them and choose based on number or ease of presets, pedalboard real estate and how old school you like your delays.
If versatility is important for you look into the boss DD20 as well. Lots of guys are using those and get good results. I'm looking at getting one for my board.
James Rock
Active member
Re: Line 6 DL4 vs. TC Electronic Nova
There is also the cheaper Nova repeater that is similar to the NOVA delay except without an LED and maybe a few other things but it still has a tone control (to get more analog sound), modulation, tap tempo and subdivisions.
There is also the cheaper Nova repeater that is similar to the NOVA delay except without an LED and maybe a few other things but it still has a tone control (to get more analog sound), modulation, tap tempo and subdivisions.
